A manner of blessing used in the Old Testament (Gen. 48) and followed by our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, who used it in working miracles, and by the Church. The Apostles and the primitive Church employed after baptism for attaining the grace of the Holy Spirit (Acts 8 and 19). It is replaced by Chrism after baptism.

The ceremonial laying on of hands by a bishop in ordaining bishops, priests and deacons (Acts 13:3; 1 Tim. 4:14).

In this way, they appointed the first deacons, including Stephen (acts 6:6). When Saint Paul and Saint Barnabas ordained elders in churches, following prayer and fasting, they did this through the laying-on of hands.